An evaluation of vitamin D levels in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis during pollen season

BackgroundSerum vitamin D levels have not been studied in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D levels of children with SAR and to compare them to levels in healthy children during pollen season. MethodsThis study was conducted in 100 children with SAR and 100 healthy controls. Clinical and laboratory evaluations and vitamin D analyses of all the participants were performed between the months of April and July. Pollen sensitization was detected in the patient group using a skin prick test. 25(OH)D-3 levels were compared between the patient and control groups. Associations among the patient 25(OH)D-3 levels and their demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were analyzed. ResultsOverall, 72% of the patients were male, the median age was 12.35years (range: 6-17.8years), and the median body mass index value was 19.15 (range: 13.6-27.8). There were no differences between the patients and healthy controls in terms of gender, age, or body mass index. The mean levels of 25(OH)D-3 (20.786) in patients were higher than those of the controls (17.92 +/- 4). In the patient group, no associations were found among 25(OH)D-3 levels, demographic characteristics, atopy test results, atopy history, severity of rhinitis, and the total four symptoms score (all P>.05). ConclusionsDuring pollen season, children with SAR may have higher vitamin D levels than healthy controls. The presence of asthma and/or atopic dermatitis in addition to SAR did not change this result.